The Science of Melatonin and Sleep
Truly there is nothing more delicious than a good night’s sleep. However, for over 50 million Americans a night of blissful, uninterrupted sleep is but a dream. With rising levels of stress and anxiety, not to mention jet lag, chronic insomnia and other sleep disorders, a peaceful night of rest can be hard to come by. Recently, there has been a growing demand for natural supplements like Melatonin to help those who suffer with sleep.
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is actually a naturally occurring hormone made by your body’s pineal gland. Often called the ‘sleep hormone’ the release of Melatonin tells your body when to go to bed. It is important to note that Melatonin can’t ‘make you go to sleep’, instead it works with your body’s circadian rhythm to prepare itself for rest. When the sun goes down your pineal gland is turned ‘on’ and melatonin levels will rise making you feel more relaxed, less alert, and ready for bed. It is for this reason that it is often suggested people with sleep issues should darken their bedrooms in preparation for rest.
How to Use Melatonin Supplements
In order to truly reap the benefits of natural melatonin supplements, and to use in conjunction with CBD you need to work with, not against your body’s natural melatonin signals. Try to curate a ‘sleep routine’ that begins a few hours before bed. During this time period refrain from any electronic usage, turn off bright lights, and keep your bedroom at a cool, comfortable temperature. Your body will experience a natural rise in Melatonin levels approximately two hours before bed, so this is a great time to take your melatonin/CBD supplements.
Why try Melatonin?
As a natural supplement, Melatonin is relatively safe for use. But is it effective? Studies have shown that Melatonin use before bed can help get you to sleep and even improve your overall quality of sleep. In addition, it has been shown that Melatonin can help reduce the time it takes to fall back asleep in those with sleep disorders. One of the most popular uses for Melatonin supplements is to combat the sleeplessness that can befall those suffering from jet lag. Indeed, in a study of people who traveled through more than 5 time zones Melatonin was shown to be greatly effective at reducing fatigue and excessive sleepiness. If you suffer from insomnia, chronic sleep disorders, or simply need to go to bed earlier due to school or work obligations melatonin supplements are an effective tool to ease your body into a natural, circadian sleep cycle.